Devices and methods related to radio-frequency front-end systems

ABSTRACT

A radio frequency front end system can include a first module configured to provide multi-input multi-output (MIMO) receive operations for a first plurality of mid bands and a first plurality of high bands. The first module can be further configured to provide transmit operations for the plurality of mid bands. The first module can include a first node. The radio frequency front end system can include a second module configured to provide transmit and receive operations for a second plurality of mid bands and a second plurality of high bands. The second module can be a power amplifier integrated duplexer (PAiD) module. The second module can include a second node. The first module and the second module can be coupled by a signal path at the first node and the second node, respectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/020,389, filed Sep. 14, 2020, entitled “METHODS RELATED TORADIO-FREQUENCY FRONT-END SYSTEMS,” which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/269,489, filed Feb. 6, 2019, entitled“RADIO-FREQUENCY FRONT-END SYSTEMS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,778,290,issued Sep. 15, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/626,698, filed Feb. 6, 2018, entitled“RADIO-FREQUENCY FRONT-END SYSTEM,” each of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments of the invention relate to electronic systems, and inparticular, to radio frequency (RF) electronics.

Description of Related Art

A radio frequency (RF) device can include multiple antennas forsupporting communications. Additionally, the RF device can include aradio frequency front end (RFFE) system for processing signals receivedfrom and transmitted to the antennas. The RFFE system can provide anumber of functions, including, but not limited to, signal filtering,controlling component connectivity to the antennas, and/or signalamplification.

SUMMARY

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to a radiofrequency front end system. The radio frequency front end systemincludes a first module configured to provide multi-input multi-output(MIMO) receive operations for a first plurality of mid bands and a firstplurality of high bands. The first module is further configured toprovide transmit operations for the plurality of mid bands. The firstmodule includes a first node. The radio frequency front end systemincludes a second module configured to provide transmit and receiveoperations for a second plurality of mid bands and a second plurality ofhigh bands. The second module is a power amplifier integrated duplexer(PAiD) module. The second module includes a second node. The firstmodule and the second module are coupled by a signal path at the firstnode and the second node, respectively.

In some embodiments, the second module is coupled to a plurality ofantennas.

In some embodiments, the second module includes an antenna switchcoupled to the plurality of antennas, and the antenna switch isconfigured to route signals between the plurality of antennas and thefirst module through the first node, the signal path, and the secondnode.

In some embodiments, the first module includes a mid-band poweramplifier configured to amplify signals associated with the firstplurality of mid bands.

In some embodiments, the second module includes a high-band poweramplifier configured to amplify signals associated with the secondplurality of high bands and a mid-band power amplifier configured toamplify signals associated with the second plurality of mid bands.

In some embodiments, the first modules includes a plurality of transmitfilters, a plurality of receive filters, and a plurality of phaseshifters.

In some embodiments, the second module includes a plurality of transmitfilters, a plurality of receive filters, and a plurality of phaseshifters.

In some embodiments, the first module and the second module areconfigured to provide MIMO receive operations for at least some of thefirst plurality of mid bands and the second plurality of mid bands, andat least some of the first plurality of high bands and the secondplurality of high bands.

In some embodiments, the first module is configured to provide carrieraggregation operations for two or more of the first plurality of midbands and the first plurality of high bands, and the second module isconfigured to provide carrier aggregation operations for two or more ofthe second plurality of mid bands and the second plurality of highbands.

In some embodiments, the first module and the second module providetransmit operations for one or more different bands from each other.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of mid bands and the secondplurality of mid bands have a frequency between 1 GHz and 2.3 GHz, andthe first plurality of high bands and the second plurality of high bandshave a frequency greater than 2.3 GHz.

According to certain implementations, the present disclosure relates toa wireless device that includes a plurality of antennas, a transceiver,and a radio frequency front end system coupled between the transceiverand the plurality of primary antennas. The radio frequency front endsystem includes a first module configured to provide multi-inputmulti-output (MIMO) receive operations for a first plurality of midbands and a first plurality of high bands. The first module is furtherconfigured to provide transmit operations for the plurality of midbands. The first module includes a first node. The radio frequency frontend system includes a second module configured to provide transmit andreceive operations for a second plurality of mid bands and a secondplurality of high bands. The second module is a power amplifierintegrated duplexer (PAiD) module. The second module includes a secondnode. The first module and the second module are coupled by a signalpath at the first node and the second node, respectively.

In some embodiments, In some embodiments, the second module is coupledto the plurality of antennas.

In some embodiments, the second module includes an antenna switchcoupled to the plurality of antennas, and the antenna switch isconfigured to route signals between the plurality of antennas and thefirst module through the first node, the signal path, and the secondnode.

In some embodiments, the first module includes a mid-band poweramplifier configured to amplify signals associated with the firstplurality of mid bands.

In some embodiments, the second module includes a high-band poweramplifier configured to amplify signals associated with the secondplurality of high bands and a mid-band power amplifier configured toamplify signals associated with the second plurality of mid bands.

In some embodiments, the first module and the second module areconfigured to provide MIMO receive operations for at least some of thefirst plurality of mid bands and the second plurality of mid bands, andat least some of the first plurality of high bands and the secondplurality of high bands.

In some embodiments, the first module is configured to provide carrieraggregation operations for two or more of the first plurality of midbands and the first plurality of high bands, and the second module isconfigured to provide carrier aggregation operations for two or more ofthe second plurality of mid bands and the second plurality of highbands.

In some embodiments, the first module and the second module providetransmit operations for one or more different bands from each other.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of mid bands and the secondplurality of mid bands have a frequency between 1 GHz and 2.3 GHz, andthe first plurality of high bands and the second plurality of high bandshave a frequency greater than 2.3 GHz.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of the inventions have been described herein. It isto be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention.Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taughtor suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless device, according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a front-end architectureincluding a first module and a second module, according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram of the first module of FIG. 2 ,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a schematic block diagram of the second module of FIG. 2 ,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a schematic block diagram showing an example signal pathconfigured to support multi-input multi-output operations, according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a schematic block diagram showing an example signal pathconfigured to support multi-input multi-output operations, according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing example signal pathsconfigured to support carrier aggregation operations, according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an example signal pathconfigured to support non-carrier aggregation operations, according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a packaged module, according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the packaged moduleof FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and donot necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

The following detailed description of certain embodiments presentsvarious descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovationsdescribed herein can be embodied in a multitude of different ways, forexample, as defined and covered by the claims. In this description,reference is made to the drawings where like reference numerals canindicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will beunderstood that elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarilydrawn to scale. Moreover, it will be understood that certain embodimentscan include more elements than illustrated in a drawing and/or a subsetof the elements illustrated in a drawing. Further, some embodiments canincorporate any suitable combination of features from two or moredrawings.

A radio frequency (RF) device can include multiple antennas forsupporting communications. Additionally, the RF device can include aradio frequency front end (RFFE) system for processing signals receivedfrom and transmitted to the antennas. The RFFE system can provide anumber of functions, including, but not limited to, signal filtering,controlling component connectivity to the antennas, and/or signalamplification.

RFFE systems can be used to handle RF signals of a wide variety oftypes, including, but not limited to, wireless local area network (WLAN)signals, Bluetooth signals, and/or cellular signals. Additionally, RFFEsystems can be used to process signals of a wide range of frequencies.For example, certain RFFE systems can operate using one or more lowbands (LBs) (for example, RF signal bands having a frequency of 1 GHz orless), one or more mid bands (MBs) (for example, RF signal bands havinga frequency between 1 GHz and 2.3 GHz), and one or more high bands (HBs)(for example, RF signal bands having a frequency greater than 2.3 GHz).RFFE systems can be used in a wide variety of RF devices, including, butnot limited to, smartphones, base stations, laptops, handsets, wearableelectronics, and/or tablets.

An RFFE system can be implemented to support a variety of features thatenhance bandwidth and/or other performance characteristics of an RFdevice.

In one example, an RFFE system is implemented to support carrieraggregation (CA), thereby providing flexibility to increase peak datarates. Carrier aggregation can be used for both Frequency DivisionDuplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD), and may be used toaggregate a plurality of carriers or channels, for instance up to fivecarriers. Carrier aggregation includes contiguous aggregation, in whichcontiguous carriers within the same operating frequency band areaggregated. Carrier aggregation can also be non-contiguous, and caninclude carriers separated in frequency within a common band or indifferent bands.

In another example, an RFFE system is implemented to support multi-inputand multi-output (MIMO) communications to increase throughput andenhance mobile broadband service. MIMO communications use multipleantennas for communicating multiple data streams over a single radiofrequency channel. MIMO communications benefit from higher signal tonoise ratio, improved coding, and/or reduced signal interference due tospatial multiplexing differences of the radio environment.

MIMO order refers to a number of separate data streams sent or received.For instance, a MIMO order for downlink communications can be describedby a number of transmit antennas of a base station and a number ofreceive antennas for user equipment (UE), such as a mobile device. Forexample, two-by-two (2×2) RX MIMO (also referred to herein as secondorder receive MIMO) refers to MIMO downlink communications using twobase station antennas and two UE antennas. Additionally, four-by-four(4×4) RX MIMO (also referred to herein as fourth order receive MIMO)refers to MIMO downlink communications using four base station antennasand four UE antennas.

RFFE systems that support carrier aggregation and multi-order MIMO canbe used in RF devices that operate with wide bandwidth. For example,such RFFE systems can be used in applications servicing multimediacontent streaming at high data rates.

Among others, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/936,429, filed Mar.26, 2018, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RADIO FREQUENCY FRONT ENDSYSTEMS,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/936,430, filed Mar.26, 2018, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RADIO FREQUENCY FRONT ENDSYSTEMS,” each of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety, describe front-end architectures capable of providing mid,high band (MHB) downlink carrier aggregation and 4×4 MIMO support. Insome embodiments, a front-end architecture can be configured to supportMB-MB and MB-HB uplink carrier aggregation. Such uplink carrieraggregation support can be implemented with some or all of the foregoingMHB downlink carrier aggregation and 4×4 MIMO support described in theabove-referenced applications, independently, or any combinationthereof.

Apparatus and methods for RFFE systems are provided herein. In certainimplementations, an RFFE system includes a first module configured toprovide multi-input multi-output (MIMO) receive operations for a firstplurality of mid bands and a first plurality of high bands. The firstmodule can be further configured to provide transmit operations for theplurality of mid bands. The first module can include a first node. TheRFFE system can also include a second module configured to providetransmit and receive operations for a second plurality of mid bands anda second plurality of high bands. The second module can be a poweramplifier integrated duplexer (PAiD) module. The second module caninclude a second node. The first module and the second module can becoupled by a signal path at the first node and the second node,respectively. Implementing the RFFE system in this manner can supportMIMO operations and/or CA operations for one or more MBs and one or moreHBs. The RFFE system can also support various transmit and receiveoperations for one or more MBs and one or more HBs using the firstmodule and the second module.

The RFFE systems herein can also exhibit excellent performance whencarrier aggregation and/or MIMO functionality is disabled. For instance,receive filters associated with downlink carrier aggregation and/or MIMOcan be switch combined such that they are not present in a signal pathwhen operating using a single frequency carrier. Accordingly, certainembodiments herein not only can be used to provide an RF device withhigh performance carrier aggregation and RX MIMO, but also robust singlecarrier performance when the RF device operates with carrier aggregationand MIMO features disabled.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one example of a wireless ormobile device 11. The mobile device 11 can include an RFFE systemimplementing one or more features of the present disclosure.

The example mobile device 11 depicted in FIG. 1 can represent a multiband and/or multi-mode device such as a multi-band/multi-mode mobilephone. By way of examples, Global System for Mobile (GSM) communicationstandard is a mode of digital cellular communication that is utilized inmany parts of the world. GSM mode mobile phones can operate at one ormore of four frequency bands: 850 MHz (approximately 824 849 MHz for Tx,869-894 MHz for Rx), 900 MHz (approximately 880-915 MHz for Tx, 925-960MHz for Rx), 1800 MHz (approximately 1710-1785 MHz for Tx, 1805-1880 MHzfor Rx), and 1900 MHz (approximately 1850-1910 MHz for Tx, 1930-1990 MHzfor Rx). Variations and/or regional/national implementations of the GSMbands are also utilized in different parts of the world.

Code division multiple access (CDMA) is another standard that can beimplemented in mobile phone devices. In certain implementations, CDMAdevices can operate in one or more of 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and1900 MHz bands, while certain W-CDMA and Long Term Evolution (LTE)devices can operate over, for example, 22 or more radio frequencyspectrum bands.

Transmit and receive modules of the present disclosure can be usedwithin a mobile device implementing the foregoing example modes and/orbands, and in other communication standards. For example, 3G, 4G, LTE,and Advanced LTE are non-limiting examples of such standards.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile device 11 includes an RFFEsystem 12, a transceiver 13, primary antennas 14, a control component18, a computer readable medium 19, a processor 20, a battery 21, anddiversity antennas 23.

The transceiver 13 can generate RF signals for transmission via theprimary antennas 14 and/or the diversity antennas 23. Furthermore, thetransceiver 13 can receive incoming RF signals from the primary antennas14 and/or the diversity antennas 23. It will be understood that variousfunctionalities associated with transmitting and receiving of RF signalscan be achieved by one or more components that are collectivelyrepresented in FIG. 1 as the transceiver 13. For example, a singlecomponent can be configured to provide both transmitting and receivingfunctionalities. In another example, transmitting and receivingfunctionalities can be provided by separate components.

In FIG. 1 , one or more output signals from the transceiver 13 aredepicted as being provided to the RFFE system 12 via one or moretransmission paths 15. In the example shown, different transmissionpaths 15 can represent output paths associated with different bandsand/or different power outputs. For instance, the two different pathsshown can represent paths associated with different power outputs (e.g.,low power output and high power output), and/or paths associated withdifferent bands. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration usingmultiple transmission paths 15, the mobile device 11 can be adapted toinclude more or fewer transmission paths 15.

In FIG. 1 , one or more receive signals are depicted as being providedfrom the RFFE system 12 to the transceiver 13 via one or more receivingpaths 16. In the example shown, different receiving paths 16 canrepresent paths associated with different bands. For example, the fourexample paths 16 shown can represent quad band capability that somemobile devices are provided with. Although FIG. 1 illustrates aconfiguration using four receiving paths 16, the mobile device 11 can beadapted to include more or fewer receiving paths 16.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the RFFE system 12 controls communications betweenthe transceiver 13 and the device's primary antennas 14 and diversityantennas 23. The RFFE system 12 can provide a number of functionalitiesassociated with, for example, MIMO communications, switching betweendifferent bands, carrier aggregation, switching between different powermodes, filtering of signals, duplexing of signals, and/or somecombination thereof.

The illustrated control component 18 can be provided for controllingvarious control functionalities associated with operations of the RFFEsystem 12 and/or other operating component(s). For example, the controlcomponent 18 can provide control signals to the RRFE 12 to controlelectrical connectivity to the primary antennas 14 and/or diversityantennas 23, for instance, by setting states of switches.

In certain embodiments, the processor 20 can be configured to facilitateimplementation of various processes on the mobile device 11. Theprocessor 20 can be a general purpose computer, special purposecomputer, or other programmable data processing apparatus. In certainimplementations, the mobile device 11 can include a computer readablememory 19, which can include computer program instructions that may beprovided to and executed by the processor 20.

The battery 21 can be any suitable battery for use in the mobile device11, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

The illustrated mobile device 11 includes the diversity antennas 23,which can help improve the quality and reliability of a wireless linkrelative to a configuration in which a mobile device only includesprimary antennas. For example, including the diversity antennas 23 canreduce line of sight losses and/or mitigate the impacts of phase shifts,time delays, and/or distortions associated with signal interference ofthe primary antennas 14. Thus, the transceiver 13 processes the signalsreceived by the primary antennas 14 and diversity antennas 23 to obtaina receive signal of higher energy and/or improved fidelity relative to aconfiguration using only primary antennas.

The RFFE system 12 of FIG. 1 can be implemented in accordance with oneor more features of the present disclosure. Although the wireless device11 illustrates one example of an RF device that can include an RFFEsystem implemented in accordance with the present disclosure, theteachings herein are applicable to a wide variety of RF devices.Accordingly, RFFE systems can be used in other implementations of RFdevices.

FIG. 2 depicts an example front-end architecture 200 having a MIMOreceive (RX) and MB transmit (TX) module 202 and a MHB power amplifierintegrated duplexer (PAiD) module 204. The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 canbe configured to provide MIMO RX and MB TX support functionality. TheMHB PAiD module 204 can be configured to provide PAiD supportfunctionality for MB and HB band frequency ranges. The MIMO RX+MB TXmodule 202 and the MHB PAiD module 204 can be coupled through a signalpath 206. On the module 202 side, the signal path 206 is shown to coupleto the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 at a node 208, and on the module 204side, the signal path 206 is shown to couple to the MHB PAiD module 204at a node 210.

FIG. 3A shows an example of the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 of FIG. 2 , andFIG. 3B shows an example of the MHB PAiD module 204 of FIG. 2 . It willbe understood that in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the signal path 206 couples theMIMO RX+MB TX module 202 and the MHB PAiD module 204 through therespective nodes 208, 210.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 and the MHBPAiD module 204 can be configured to support various RX and TXoperations, including MIMO operations, CA operations, and non-CAoperations. Although specific implementations of HB and MB processingcircuitry are shown, the teachings herein are applicable to HB and MBprocessing circuitry implemented in a wide variety of ways. Accordingly,other implementations are possible. Although one example of the MIMORX+MB TX module 202 and the MHB PAiD module 204 is shown, otherimplementations are possible, including, for example, implementations inwhich the modules generate more or fewer transmit and/or receive signalsand/or signals of other bands. For example, more or fewer HB and/or MBsignal paths can be included to provide support for a desired number offrequency bands. In addition, the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 and the MHBPAiD module 204 may include a different number of components (e.g.,power amplifiers, switches, filters, low-noise amplifiers, etc.) fromwhat is shown, and the components may be configured in different waysfrom what is shown. Cellular bands indicated in the disclosure areprovided as examples, and any appropriate frequency bands may be used.

The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 can support MIMO RX operations and MB TXoperations for one or more frequency bands. In the example of FIG. 3A,the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 can include a MB power amplifier (PA) 301,a plurality of switches 302, a plurality of filters 303, a plurality ofphase shifters 304, and a plurality of low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) 305.The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 can support various RX operations involvingHB and MB signals. The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 can process RF signalsreceived from a plurality of antennas coupled to nodes MHB_ANT_OUT1 andMHB_ANT_OUT2 of the MHB PAiD module 204 and routed through the signalpath 206. As described above, the signal path 206 can be coupled to thenode MHB_ANT 208 of the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 and the node MIMO_OUT210 of the MHB PAiD module 204. The node MHB_ANT_OUT1 can be coupled toa first primary antenna (not shown), and the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 can becoupled to a second primary antenna (not shown). For example, the firstand second primary antennas can receive MB and HB signals. In someembodiments, one or more diversity antennas can also be used. The nodesMHB_ANT_OUT1 and MHB_ANT_OUT2 can be coupled to an antenna switch 356 ofthe MHB PAiD module 204. The antenna switch 356 can be a multi-polemulti-throw (MPMT) switch. In the example of FIG. 3B, the antenna switch356 is a double-pole nine-throw (DP9T) switch. A first pole of theantenna switch 356 can be coupled to the node MHB_ANT_OUT1, and a secondpole of the antenna switch 356 can be coupled to the node MHB_ANT_OUT2.The antenna switch 356 can include a tunable filter 357 a between thefirst pole and the node MHB_ANT_OUT1 and a tunable filter 357 b betweenthe second pole and the node MHB_ANT_OUT2. One throw of the antennaswitch 356 can be coupled to the node MIMO_OUT 210. Another throw of theantenna switch 356 can be coupled to ground (e.g., ground termination).Remaining throws of the antenna switch 356 can be coupled to varioussignal paths for processing various frequency band signals, which aredescribed below in more detail.

Signals received through the node MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2can be routed to the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 through the antenna switch356, the node MIMO_OUT 210, the signal path 206, and the node MHB_ANT208. The node MHB_ANT 208 can be coupled to a switch 302 h. The switch302 h can be a single-pole multi-throw (SPMT) switch. In the example ofFIG. 3A, the switch 302 h is a single-pole eight-throw (SP8T) switch.The pole of the switch 302 h can be coupled to the node MHB_ANT 208. Onethrow of the switch 302 h can be coupled to ground (e.g., groundtermination). Remaining throws of the switch 302 h can be coupled to aplurality of phase shifters 304 a-g. A respective signal path associatedwith each phase shifter 304 and one or more filters 303 coupled to eachphase shifter 304 can be used to support CA operations. Such CAoperations can include downlink (DL) CA operations.

In the example of FIG. 3A, a first throw of the switch 302 h can becoupled to a phase shifter 304 a. The phase shifter 304 a can be coupledto a HB RX filter 303 a, a MB TX filter 303 b, and a MB RX filter 303 c.For example, the filters 303 a, 303 b, 303 c can be associated withcellular bands B30, B25, and B25, respectively. The filters 303 a, 303b, 303 c can be band-pass filters and allow signals associated withrespective frequency bands to pass through. In some embodiments, thefilters 303 a, 303 b, 303 c can be configured as a triplexer, adiplexer, a duplexer, separate filters, or a combination thereof. Thephase shifter 304 a and the associated filters 303 a, 303 b, 303 c canbe used to support CA operations. For example, the phase shifter 304 acan support CA of cellular bands B2 and B7. As another example, thephase shifter 304 a can support CA involving one of cellular bands B25and B30 with one of cellular bands B66 and B41F. The phase shifter 304 acan support CA of B25 and B66, CA of B25 and B41F, CA of B30 and B66,and CA of B30 and B41F.

The HB RX filter 303 a can be coupled to a switch 302 d and routeassociated frequency band signals (e.g., B30) from the phase shifter 304a to the switch 302 d through a corresponding signal path. For example,the switch 302 d can be a SPMT switch. In the example of FIG. 3A, theswitch 302 d is a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch. The HB RXfilter 303 a can be coupled to a first throw of the switch 302 d. Thepole of the switch 302 d can be coupled to a LNA 305 b. The LNA 305 bcan support signals associated with one or more HBs. For example, theLNA 305 b can support signals associated with cellular bands B30 andB40. The LNA 305 b can be coupled to a switch 302 a. The switch 302 acan be a MPMT switch. In the example of FIG. 3A, the switch 302 a can bea double-pole double-throw (DPDT) switch. The LNA 305 b can be coupledto a second throw of the switch 302 a. A first pole of the switch 302 acan be coupled to a node PRX_HB1, and a second pole of the switch 302 acan be coupled to a node PRX_HB2. The nodes PRX_HB1 and PRX_HB2 cansupport HB signals received from one or more primary antennas. HBsignals can be routed from the HB RX filter 303 a through the switch 302d, the LNA 305 b, and the switch 302 a to either the node PRX_HB1 or thenode PRX_HB2 through a corresponding signal path.

The MB RX filter 303 c can be coupled to a switch 302 g and routeassociated frequency band signals (e.g., B25) through a correspondingsignal path. For example, the switch 302 g can be a SPMT switch. In theexample of FIG. 3A, the switch 302 g is a single-pole triple-throw(SP3T) switch. The MB RX filter 303 c can be coupled to a second throwof the switch 302 g. The pole of the switch 302 g can be coupled to aLNA 305 d. The LNA 305 d can support signals associated with one or morefrequency MB bands. For example, the LNA 305 d can support signalsassociated with cellular bands B25, B3, and B34. The LNA 305 d can becoupled to a switch 302 b. The switch 302 b can be a MPMT switch. In theexample of FIG. 3A, the switch 302 b is a DPDT switch. The LNA 305 d canbe coupled to a second throw of the switch 302 b. A first pole of theswitch 302 b can be coupled to a node PRX_MB1, and a second pole of theswitch 302 b can be coupled to a node PRX_MB2. The nodes PRX_MB1 andPRX_MB2 can support MB signals received from one or more primaryantennas. MB signals can be routed from the MB RX filter 303 c throughthe switch 302 g, the LNA 305 d, and the switch 302 b to either the nodePRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2 through a corresponding signal path.

A second throw of the switch 302 h can be coupled to a phase shifter 304b. The phase shifter 304 b can be coupled to a HB RX filter 303 d. Forexample, the HB RX filter 303 d can be associated with cellular bandB41F. The filter 303 d can be a band-pass filter and allow signalsassociated with a respective frequency band to pass through. The phaseshifter 304 b and the associated filter 303 d can be used to support CAoperations. For example, the phase shifter 304 b can support CA ofcellular band B41F with one of cellular bands B25, B1, B3, and B39. Thephase shifter 304 b can support CA of B41F and B25, CA of B41F and B1,CA of B41F and B3, and CA of B41F and B39. The HB RX filter 303 d can becoupled to a switch 302 c and route associated frequency band signals(e.g., B41F) from the phase shifter 304 b to the switch 302 c through acorresponding signal path. For example, the switch 302 c can be a SPMTswitch. In the example of FIG. 3A, the switch 302 c is a SPDT switch.The HB RX filter 303 d can be coupled to a first throw of the switch 302c. The pole of the switch 302 c can be coupled to a LNA 305 a. The LNA305 a can support signals associated with one or more HBs. For example,the LNA 305 a can support signals associated with cellular bands B7 andB41F. The LNA 305 a can be coupled to the switch 302 a. For example, theLNA 305 a can be coupled to a first throw of the switch 302 a. HBsignals can be routed from the HB RX filter 303 d through the switch 302c, the LNA 305 a, and the switch 302 a to either the node PRX_HB1 or thenode PRX_HB2 through a corresponding signal path.

A third throw of the switch 302 h can be coupled to a phase shifter 304c. The phase shifter 304 c can be coupled to a HB RX filter 303 e. Forexample, the HB RX filter 303 e can be associated with cellular band B7.The filter 303 e can be a band-pass filter and allow signals associatedwith a respective frequency band to pass through. The phase shifter 304c and the associated filter 303 e can be used to support CA operations.For example, the phase shifter 304 c can support CA of cellular band B7with one of cellular bands B1, B2, B3, and B66. The phase shifter 304 ccan support CA of B7 and B1, CA of B7 and B2, CA of B7 and B3, and CA ofB7 and B66. As another example, the phase shifter 304 c can also supportCA of cellular bands B7 and B40. The HB RX filter 303 e can be coupledto the switch 302 c and route associated frequency band signals (e.g.,B7) from the phase shifter 304 c to the switch 302 c through acorresponding signal path. The HB RX filter 303 e can be coupled to asecond throw of the switch 302 c. The switch 302 c can be coupled to theLNA 305 a, and the LNA 305 a can be coupled to the switch 302 a. HBsignals can be routed from the HB RX filter 303 e through the switch 302c, the LNA 305 a, and the switch 302 a to either the node PRX_HB1 or thenode PRX_HB2 through a corresponding signal path.

A fourth throw of the switch 302 h can be coupled to a phase shifter 304d. The phase shifter 304 d can be coupled to a HB RX filter 303 f, a MBTX filter 303 g, and a MB RX filter 303 h. For example, the filters 303f, 303 g, 303 h can be associated with cellular bands B40F, B1, and B3,respectively. The filters 303 f, 303 g, 303 h can be band-pass filtersand allow signals associated with respective frequency bands to passthrough. In some embodiments, the filters 303 f, 303 g, 303 h can beconfigured as a triplexer, a diplexer, separate filters, or acombination thereof. The phase shifter 304 d and the associated filters303 f, 303 g, 303 h can be used to support CA operations. For example,the phase shifter 304 d can support CA involving one of cellular bandsB1, B3, and B40F with cellular band B41F. The phase shifter 304 d cansupport CA of B1 and B41F, CA of B3 and B41F, and CA of B40F and B41F.As another example, the phase shifter 304 d can support CA involving oneof cellular bands B1, B3, and B40F with cellular band B7. The phaseshifter 304 d can support CA of B1 and B7, CA of B3 and B7, and CA ofB40F and B7. The HB RX filter 303 f can be coupled to the switch 302 dand route associated frequency band signals (e.g., B40F) from the phaseshifter 304 d to the switch 302 d through a corresponding signal path.The HB RX filter 303 f can be coupled to a second throw of the switch302 d. The switch 302 d can be coupled to the LNA 305 b, and the LNA 305b can be coupled to the switch 302 a. HB signals can be routed from theHB RX filter 303 f through the switch 302 d, the LNA 305 b, and theswitch 302 a to either the node PRX_HB1 or the node PRX_HB2 through acorresponding signal path. The MB RX filter 303 h can be coupled to theswitch 302 g and route associated frequency band signals (e.g., B3)through a corresponding signal path. For example, the MB RX filter 303 hcan be coupled to a third throw of the switch 302 g. The switch 302 gcan be coupled to the LNA 305 d, and the LNA 305 d can be coupled to theswitch 302 b. MB signals can be routed from the MB RX filter 303 hthrough the switch 302 g, the LNA 305 d, and the switch 302 b to eitherthe node PRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2 through a corresponding signalpath.

A fifth throw of the switch 302 h can be coupled to a phase shifter 304e. The phase shifter 304 e can be coupled to a MB TX filter 303 i and aMB RX filter 303 j. For example, the filter 303 i can be associated withone or more of cellular bands B3 and B66, and the filter 303 j can beassociated with one or more of cellular bands B1 and B66. The filters303 i, 303 j can be band-pass filters and allow signals associated withrespective frequency bands to pass through. In some embodiments, thefilters 303 i, 303 j can be configured as a diplexer, as a duplexer, oras separate filters. The phase shifter 304 e and the associated filters303 i, 303 j can be used to support CA operations. For example, thephase shifter 304 e can support CA involving one of cellular bands B1and B3 with one of cellular bands B40F and B41F. The phase shifter 304 ecan support CA of B1 and B40F, CA of B1 and B41F, CA of B3 and B40F, andCA of B3 and B41F. As another example, the phase shifter 304 e cansupport CA involving one of cellular bands B1 and B3 with cellular bandsB40F and B7. The phase shifter 304 e can support CA of B1, B40, and B7,and CA of B3, B40F, and B7. As a third example, the phase shifter 304 ecan support CA of cellular bands B66, B25, and B30. As a fourth example,the phase shifter 304 e can support CA of cellular bands B66, B25, andB7. The MB RX filter 303 j can be coupled to a switch 302 f and routeassociated frequency band signals (e.g., B1, B66, etc.) through acorresponding signal path. For example, the switch 302 f can be a SPMTswitch. In the example of FIG. 3A, the switch 302 f is a SPDT switch.The MB RX filter 303 j can be coupled to a second throw of the switch302 f. The pole of the switch 302 f can be coupled to a LNA 305 c. TheLNA 305 c can support signals associated with one or more MBs. Forexample, the LNA 305 c can support signals associated with cellularbands B1, B66, and B39. The LNA 305 c can be coupled to the switch 302b. For example, the LNA 305 c can be coupled to a first throw of theswitch 302 b. MB signals can be routed from the MB RX filter 303 jthrough the switch 302 f, the LNA 305 c, and the switch 302 b to eitherthe node PRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2 through a corresponding signalpath.

A sixth throw of the switch 302 h can be coupled to a phase shifter 304f. The phase shifter 304 f can be coupled to a MB TX/RX filter 303 k anda MB TX/RX filter 303 l. For example, the filters 303 k and 3031 can beassociated with cellular bands B34 and B39, respectively. The filters303 k, 3031 can be band-pass filters and allow signals associated withrespective frequency bands to pass through. In some embodiments, thefilters 303 k, 3031 can be configured as a diplexer, a duplexer,separate filters, or a combination thereof. The phase shifter 304 f andthe associated filters 303 k, 3031 can be used to support CA operations.For example, the phase shifter 304 f can support CA involving one ofcellular bands B34 and B39 with cellular band B41F. The phase shifter304 f can support CA of B34 and B41F, and CA of B39 and B41F. The MBTX/RX filter 303 k can be coupled to a switch 302 e and route associatedfrequency band signals (e.g., B34) through a corresponding signal path.For example, the switch 302 e can be a MPMT switch. In the example ofFIG. 3A, the switch 302 e is a three-pole five-throw (3P5T) switch. TheMB TX/RX filter 303 k can be coupled to a fourth throw of the switch 302e. A first pole of the switch 302 e can be coupled to the MB PA 301. Asecond pole of the switch 302 e can be coupled to a first throw of theswitch 302 g. A third pole of the switch 302 e can be coupled to a firstthrow of the switch 302 f. Additional details relating to the switch 302e are described below. The switch 302 g can be coupled to the LNA 305 d,and the LNA 305 d can be coupled to the switch 302 b. MB signals can berouted from the MB TX/RX filter 303 k through the switch 302 e, theswitch 302 g, the LNA 305 d, and the switch 302 b to either the nodePRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2 through a corresponding signal path. The MBTX/RX filter 303 l can be coupled to the switch 302 e and routeassociated frequency band signals (e.g., B39) through a correspondingsignal path. The MB TX/RX filter 303 l can be coupled to a fifth throwof the switch 302 e. The third pole of the switch 302 e can be coupledto the first throw of the switch 302 f. The switch 302 f can be coupledto the LNA 305 c, and the LNA 305 c can be coupled to the switch 302 b.MB signals can be routed from the MB TX/RX filter 303 l through theswitch 302 e, the switch 302 f, the LNA 305 c, and the switch 302 b toeither the node PRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2 through a correspondingsignal path.

A seventh throw of the switch 302 h can be coupled to a phase shifter304 g. The phase shifter 304 g can be coupled to a MB RX filter 303 m.For example, the MB RX filter 303 m can be associated with cellular bandB32. The filter 303 m can be a band-pass filter and allow signalsassociated with a respective frequency band to pass through. The phaseshifter 304 g and the associated filter 303 m can be used to support CAoperations. For example, the phase shifter 304 g can support CA ofcellular band B32 with one of cellular bands B1, B3, and B7. The phaseshifter 304 g can support CA of cellular bands B32 and B1, CA of B32 andB3, and CA of B32 and B7. The MB RX filter 303 m can be coupled to a LNA305 e. The LNA 305 e can support signals associated with one or moreMBs. For example, the LNA 305 e can support signals associated withcellular band B32. The LNA 305 e can be coupled to a node PRX_MLB. MBsignals can be routed from the MB RX filter 303 m through the LNA 305 eto the node PRX_MLB through a corresponding signal path.

The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 can also support various TX operationsinvolving MB signals. The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 can amplify RFsignals received through a node TX_MB_IN and route the amplified RFsignals through the node MHB_ANT 208, the signal path 206, and the nodeMIMO_OUT 210 to either the node MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 ofthe MHB PAiD module 204. The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 can include the MBPA 301 for amplifying RF signals for transmission. In some embodiments,the MB PA 301 can be an envelope tracking (ET) PA. The MB PA 301 can becoupled to the node TX_MB_IN. For example, RF signals to be amplifiedcan be input to the node TX_MB_IN. The MB PA 301 can be coupled to theswitch 302 e. For example, the first pole of the switch 302 e can becoupled to the MB PA 301. A first throw of the switch 302 e can becoupled to the MB TX filter 303 b. For example, the MB TX filter 303 bcan be associated with cellular band B25. The MB TX filter 303 b can becoupled to the phase shifter 304 a. MB signals amplified by the MB PA301 that are within a frequency band associated with the MB TX filter303 b can pass through the MB TX filter 303 b and can be routed throughthe phase shifter 304 a, the switch 302 h, the node MHB_ANT 208, thesignal path 206, the node MIMO_OUT 210, and the antenna switch 356 toeither the node MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 through acorresponding signal path.

A second throw of the switch 302 e can be coupled to the MB TX filter303 g. For example, the MB TX filter 303 g can be associated withcellular band B1. The MB TX filter 303 g can be coupled to the phaseshifter 304 d. MB signals amplified by the MB PA 301 that are within afrequency band associated with the MB TX filter 303 g can pass throughthe MB TX filter 303 g and can be routed through the phase shifter 304d, the switch 302 h, the node MHB_ANT 208, the signal path 206, the nodeMIMO_OUT 210, and the antenna switch 356 to either the node MHB_ANT_OUT1or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 through a corresponding signal path.

A third throw of the switch 302 e can be coupled to the MB TX filter 303i. For example, the MB TX filter 303 i can be associated with cellularband B3 and/or B66. The MB TX filter 303 i can be coupled to the phaseshifter 304 e. MB signals amplified by the MB PA 301 that are within afrequency band(s) associated with the MB TX filter 303 i can passthrough the MB TX filter 303 i and can be routed through the phaseshifter 304 e, the switch 302 h, the node MHB_ANT 208, the signal path206, the node MIMO_OUT 210, and the antenna switch 356 to either thenode MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 through a correspondingsignal path.

The fourth throw of the switch 302 e can be coupled to the MB TX/RXfilter 303 k. For example, the MB TX/RX filter 303 k can be associatedwith cellular band B34. The MB TX/RX filter 303 k can be coupled to thephase shifter 304 f. MB signals amplified by the MB PA 301 that arewithin a frequency band associated with the MB TX/RX filter 303 k canpass through the MB TX/RX filter 303 k and can be routed through thephase shifter 304 f, the switch 302 h, the node MHB_ANT 208, the signalpath 206, the node MIMO_OUT 210, and the antenna switch 356 to eitherthe node MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 through a correspondingsignal path.

The fifth throw of the switch 302 e can be coupled to the MB TX/RXfilter 303 l. For example, the MB TX/RX filter 303 l can be associatedwith cellular band B39. The MB TX/RX filter 303 l can be coupled to thephase shifter 304 f. MB signals amplified by the MB PA 301 that arewithin a frequency band associated with the MB TX/RX filter 303 l canpass through the MB TX/RX filter 303 l and can be routed through thephase shifter 304 f, the switch 302 h, the node MHB_ANT 208, the signalpath 206, the node MIMO_OUT 210, and the antenna switch 356 to eitherthe node MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 through a correspondingsignal path.

The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 can be controlled by a controller. Forexample, a mobile industry processer interface (MIPI) based controllercan be provided to control the switches 302 a-h, the MB PA 301, and theLNAs 305 a-e. In the example of FIG. 3A, the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202can include two controllers, for example, a first controller 306 a tocontrol the MB PA 301 and/or the switches 302 a-h and a secondcontroller 306 b to control the LNAs 305 a-e. The controllers 306 a and306 b can provide control functionalities based on, for example,respective I/O voltages (VIO1, VIO2), respective clock signals (CLK1,CLK 2), and respective control inputs (DATA1, DATA 2).

Referring to FIG. 3B, the MHB PAiD module 204 can also be configured tosupport various RX and transmit TX operations, including MIMOoperations, CA operations, and non-CA operations. For example, the MHBPAiD module 204 can support MIMO RX operations and MHB TX/RX operationsfor one or more frequency bands. In the example of FIG. 3B, the MHB PAiDmodule 204 can include a plurality of PAs 351, a plurality of switches352, 356, a plurality of filters 353, a plurality of phase shifters 354,and a plurality of LNAs 355.

The MHB PAiD module 204 can support various RX operations involving HBand MB signals. The MHB PAiD module 204 can process RF signals receivedfrom the plurality of antennas coupled to the nodes MHB_ANT_OUT1 andMHB_ANT_OUT2. One or more throws of the antenna switch 356 can becoupled to a plurality of phase shifters 354 a-g. A respective signalpath associated with each phase shifter 354 and one or more filters 353coupled to each phase shifter 354 can be used to support CA operations.Such CA operations can include DL CA operations.

In the example of FIG. 3B, a first throw of the antenna switch 356 canbe coupled to the node MIMO_OUT 210. A second throw of the antennaswitch 356 can be coupled to a node TX_2G_IN. For example, the MHB PAiDmodule 204 can receive LB signals, such as 2G signals, through the nodeTX_2G_IN. A third throw of the antenna switch 356 can be coupled to aphase shifter 354 a. The phase shifter 354 a can be coupled to a HB TXfilter 353 a, a HB RX filter 353 b, and a MB RX filter 353 c. Forexample, the filters 353 a, 353 b, 353 c can be associated with cellularbands B30, B30, and B25, respectively. The filters 353 a, 353 b, 353 ccan be band-pass filters and allow signals associated with respectivefrequency bands to pass through. In some embodiments, the filters 353 a,353 b, 353 c can be configured as a triplexer, a diplexer, a duplexer,separate filters, or a combination thereof. The phase shifter 354 a andthe associated filters 353 a, 353 b, 353 c can be used to support CAoperations. For example, the phase shifter 354 a can support CAinvolving one of cellular bands B2 and B66 with cellular band B7. Thephase shifter 354 a can support CA of B2 and B7, and CA of B66 and B7.As another example, the phase shifter 354 a can support CA of cellularband B25 and B41F.

The HB RX filter 353 b can be coupled to a switch 352 e and routeassociated frequency band signals (e.g., B30) from the phase shifter 354a to the switch 352 e through a corresponding signal path. For example,the switch 352 e can be a SPMT switch. In the example of FIG. 3B, theswitch 352 e is a SPDT switch. The HB RX filter 353 b can be coupled toa first throw of the switch 352 e. The pole of the switch 352 e can becoupled to a LNA 355 b. The LNA 355 b can support signals associatedwith one or more HBs. For example, the LNA 355 b can support signalsassociated with cellular bands B30 and B40. The LNA 355 b can be coupledto a switch 352 a. The switch 352 a can be a MPMT switch. In the exampleof FIG. 3B, the switch 352 a is a DPDT switch. The LNA 355 b can becoupled to a second throw of the switch 352 a. A first pole of theswitch 352 a can be coupled to a node PRX_HB1, and a second pole of theswitch 352 a can be coupled to a node PRX_HB2. The nodes PRX_HB1 andPRX_HB2 can support HB signals received from the one or more primaryantennas. HB signals can be routed from the HB RX filter 353 b throughthe switch 352 e, the LNA 355 b, and the switch 352 a to either the nodePRX_HB1 or the node PRX_HB2 through a corresponding signal path.

The MB RX filter 353 c can be coupled to a switch 352 g and routeassociated frequency band signals (e.g., B25) through a correspondingsignal path. For example, the switch 352 g can be a SPMT switch. In theexample of FIG. 3B, the switch 352 g is a SP3T switch. The MB RX filter353 c can be coupled to a first throw of the switch 352 g. The pole ofthe switch 352 g can be coupled to a LNA 355 d. The LNA 355 d cansupport signals associated with one or more MBs. For example, the LNA355 d can support signals associated with cellular bands B25, B3, andB34. The LNA 355 d can be coupled to a switch 352 b. The switch 352 bcan be a MPMT switch. In the example of FIG. 3B, the switch 352 b is aDPDT switch. The LNA 355 d can be coupled to a second throw of theswitch 352 b. A first pole of the switch 352 b can be coupled to a nodePRX_MB1, and a second pole of the switch 352 b can be coupled to a nodePRX_MB2. The nodes PRX_MB1 and PRX_MB2 can support MB signals receivedfrom the one or more primary antennas. MB signals can be routed from theMB RX filter 353 c through the switch 352 g, the LNA 355 d, and theswitch 352 b to either the node PRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2 through acorresponding signal path.

A fourth throw of the antenna switch 356 can be coupled to a phaseshifter 354 b. The phase shifter 354 b can be coupled to a HB TX/RXfilter 353 d. For example, the filter 353 d can be associated withcellular band B41F. The filter 353 d can be a band-pass filter and allowsignals associated with a respective frequency band to pass through. Thephase shifter 354 b and the associated filter 353 d can be used tosupport CA operations. For example, the phase shifter 354 b can supportCA involving cellular band B41F with one of cellular bands B25, B1, B3,and B39. The phase shifter 354 b can support CA of B41F and B25, CA ofB41F and B1, CA of B41F and B3, and CA of B41F and B39. The HB TX/RXfilter 353 d can be coupled to a switch 352 c and route associatedfrequency band signals (e.g., B41F) through a corresponding signal path.For example, the switch 352 c can be a MPMT switch. In the example ofFIG. 3B, the switch 352 c is a double-pole four-throw (DP4T) switch. TheHB TX/RX filter 353 d can be coupled to a second throw of the switch 352c. A first pole of the switch 352 c can be coupled to the HB PA 351 a. Asecond pole of the switch 352 c can be coupled to a first throw of aswitch 352 d. Additional details relating to the switch 352 c aredescribed below. The switch 352 d can be a SPMT switch. In the exampleof FIG. 3B, the switch 352 d is a SPDT switch. The switch 352 d can becoupled to a LNA 355 a. For example, the LNA 355 a can be coupled to thepole of the switch 352 d. The LNA 355 a can support signals associatedwith one or more HBs. For example, the LNA 355 a can support signalsassociated with cellular bands B41F and B7. The LNA 355 a can be coupledto the switch 352 a. For example, the LNA 355 a can be coupled to afirst throw of the switch 352 a. HB signals can be routed from the HBTX/RX filter 353 d through the switch 352 c, the switch 352 d, the LNA355 a, and the switch 352 a to either the node PRX_HB1 or the nodePRX_HB2 through a corresponding signal path.

A fifth throw of the antenna switch 356 can be coupled to a phaseshifter 354 c. The phase shifter 354 c can be coupled to a HB TX filter353 e and a HB RX filter 353 f. For example, the filters 353 e, 353 fcan be associated with cellular band B7. The filters 353 e, 353 f can beband-pass filters and allow signals associated with respective frequencybands to pass through. In some embodiments, the filters 353 e, 353 f canbe configured as a duplexer or as separate filters. The phase shifter354 c and the associated filters 353 e, 353 f can be used to support CAoperations. For example, the phase shifter 304 c can support CAinvolving cellular band B7 with one of cellular bands B1, B2, B3, andB66. The phase shifter 304 c can support CA of B7 and B1, CA of B7 andB2, CA of B7 and B3, and CA of B7 and B66. As another example, the phaseshifter 304 c can also support CA of cellular bands B7 and B40. The HBRX filter 353 f can be coupled to the switch 352 d and route associatedfrequency band signals (e.g., B7) from the phase shifter 354 c to theswitch 352 d through a corresponding signal path. The HB RX filter 353 fcan be coupled to a second throw of the switch 352 d. The switch 352 dcan be coupled to the LNA 355 a, and the LNA 355 a can be coupled to theswitch 352 a. HB signals can be routed from the HB RX filter 353 fthrough the switch 352 d, the LNA 355 a, and the switch 352 a to eitherthe node PRX_HB1 or the node PRX_HB2 through a corresponding signalpath.

A sixth throw of the antenna switch 356 can be coupled to a switch 352h. The switch 352 h can be a SPMT switch. In the example of FIG. 3B, theswitch 352 h is a SPDT switch. The pole of the switch 352 h can becoupled to the sixth throw of the antenna switch 356. A first throw ofthe switch 352 h can be coupled to a phase shifter 354 d. The phaseshifter 354 d can be coupled to a HB TX filter 353 g. A second throw ofthe switch 352 h can be coupled to a phase shifter 354 e. The phaseshifter 354 e can be coupled to a HB RX filter 353 h. The filters 353 g,353 h can be associated with cellular band B40F. The filters 353 g, 353h can be band-pass filters and allow signals associated with arespective frequency band(s) to pass through. The phase shifter 354 dand the associated filter 353 g can be used to support CA operations.For example, the phase shifter 354 d can support CA of cellular bandB40F TX with one of cellular bands B7, B41, B1, and B3. The phaseshifter 354 d can support CA of B40F TX and B7, CA of B40F TX and B41,CA of B40F TX and B1, and CA of B40F TX and B3. The phase shifter 354 eand the associated filter 353 h can be used to support CA operations.For example, the phase shifter 354 e can support CA of cellular bandB40F RX with one of cellular bands B7, B41, B1, and B3. The phaseshifter 354 e can support CA of B40F RX and B7, CA of B40F RX and B41,CA of B40F RX and B1, and CA of B40F RX and B3. The HB RX filter 353 hcan be coupled to the switch 352 e and route associated frequency bandsignals (e.g., B40F) from the phase shifter 354 e to the switch 352 ethrough a corresponding signal path. The HB RX filter 353 h can becoupled to a second throw of the switch 352 e. The switch 352 e can becoupled to the LNA 355 b, and the LNA 355 b can be coupled to the switch352 a. HB signals can be routed from the HB RX filter 353 h through theswitch 352 e, the LNA 355 b, and the switch 352 a to either the nodePRX_HB1 or the node PRX_HB2 through a corresponding signal path.

A seventh throw of the antenna switch 356 can be coupled to a switch 352i. The switch 352 i can be a SPMT switch. In the example of FIG. 3B, theswitch 352 i is a SPDT switch. The pole of the switch 352 i can becoupled to the seventh throw of the antenna switch 356. A first throw ofthe switch 352 i can be coupled to a phase shifter 354 f. The phaseshifter 354 f can be coupled to a MB RX filter 353 i. For example, theMB RX filter 353 i can be associated with cellular band B3. A secondthrow of the switch 352 i can be coupled to a phase shifter 354 g. Thephase shifter 354 g can be coupled to a MB TX filter 353 j and a MB RXfilter 353 k. For example, the filter 353 j can be associated with oneor more of cellular bands B3 and B66, and the filter 353 k can beassociated with one or more of cellular bands B1 and B66. The filters353 i, 353 j, 353 k can be band-pass filters and allow signalsassociated with respective frequency bands to pass through. In someembodiments, the filters 353 j, 353 k can be configured as a diplexer,as a duplexer, or as separate filters. The phase shifter 354 f and theassociated filter 353 i can be used to support CA operations. Forexample, the phase shifter 354 f can support CA involving cellular bandB3 with one of cellular bands B40F and B41F. The phase shifter 354 f cansupport CA of B3 and B40F, and CA of B3 and B41F. As another example,the phase shifter 354 f can support CA of cellular bands B3, B40F, andB7. The MB RX filter 353 i can be coupled to the switch 352 g and routeassociated frequency band signals (e.g., B3) through a correspondingsignal path. The MB RX filter 353 i can be coupled to a second throw ofthe switch 352 g. The switch 352 g can be coupled to the LNA 355 d, andthe LNA 355 d can be coupled to the switch 352 b. MB signals can berouted from the MB RX filter 353 i through the switch 352 g, the LNA 355d, and the switch 352 b to either the node PRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2through a corresponding signal path. The phase shifter 354 g and theassociated filters 353 j, 353 k can be used to support CA operations.For example, the phase shifter 354 g can support CA involving one ofcellular bands B1 and B3 with one of cellular bands B40F and B41F. Thephase shifter 354 g can support CA of B1 and B40F, CA of B1 and B41F, CAof B3 and B40F, and CA of B3 and B41F. As another example, the phaseshifter 354 g can support CA involving one of cellular bands B1 and B3with cellular bands B40F and B7. The phase shifter 354 g can support CAof B1, B40F, and B7, and CA of B3, B40F, and B7. The MB RX filter 353 kcan be coupled to a switch 352 f and route associated frequency bandsignals (e.g., B1, B66, etc.) through a corresponding signal path. Theswitch 352 f can be a SPMT switch. In the example of FIG. 3B, the switch352 f is a SPDT switch. The MB RX filter 353 k can be coupled to a firstthrow of the switch 352 f. The pole of the switch 352 f can be coupledto a LNA 355 c. The LNA 355 c can support signals associated with one ormore frequency MB bands. For example, the LNA 355 c can support signalsassociated with cellular bands B1, B66, and B39. The LNA 355 c can becoupled to the switch 352 b. For example, the LNA 355 c can be coupledto a first throw of the switch 352 b. MB signals can be routed from theMB RX filter 353 k through the switch 352 f, the LNA 355 c, and theswitch 352 b to either the node PRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2 through acorresponding signal path.

An eighth throw of the antenna switch 356 can be coupled to a phaseshifter 354 h. The phase shifter 354 h can be coupled to a MB RX filter353 l and a MB RX filter 353 m. For example, the filters 353 l, 353 mcan be associated with cellular bands B39 and B34, respectively. Thefilters 353 l, 353 m, can be band-pass filters and allow signalsassociated with respective frequency bands to pass through. In someembodiments, the filters 353 l, 353 m can be configured as a diplexer oras separate filters. The phase shifter 354 h and the associated filters353 l, 353 m can be used to support CA operations. For example, thephase shifter 354 h can support CA involving one of cellular bands B34and B39 with cellular band B41F. For example, the phase shifter 354 hcan support CA of B34 and B41F, and CA of B39 and B41F. The MB RX filter353 l can be coupled to the switch 352 f and route associated frequencyband signals (e.g., B39) from the phase shifter 354 h to the switch 352f through a corresponding signal path. The MB RX filter 353 l can becoupled to a second throw of the switch 352 f. The switch 352 f can becoupled to the LNA 355 c, and the LNA 355 c can be coupled to the switch352 b. MB signals can be routed from the MB RX filter 353 l through theswitch 352 f, the LNA 355 c, and the switch 352 b to either the nodePRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2 through a corresponding signal path. The MBRX filter 353 m can be coupled to the switch 352 g and route associatedfrequency band signals (e.g., B34) from the phase shifter 354 h to theswitch 352 g through a corresponding signal path. The MB RX filter 353 mcan be coupled to a third throw of the switch 352 g. The switch 352 gcan be coupled to the LNA 355 d, and the LNA 355 d can be coupled to theswitch 352 b. MB signals can be routed from the MB RX filter 353 mthrough the switch 352 g, the LNA 355 d, and the switch 352 b to eitherthe node PRX_MB1 or the node PRX_MB2 through a corresponding signalpath.

The MHB PAiD module 204 can also support various TX operations involvingHB and MB signals. The MHB PAiD module 204 can include the HB PA 351 afor amplifying HB signals for transmission. In some embodiments, the HBPA 351 a can be an ET PA. The HB PA 351 a can be coupled to a nodeTX_HB_IN. For example, HB signals to be amplified can be input to thenode TX_HB_IN. The HB PA 351 a can be coupled to the switch 352 c. Forexample, the first pole of the switch 352 c can be coupled to the HB PA351 a. A first throw of the switch 352 c can be coupled to the HB TXfilter 353 a. For example, the HB TX filter 353 a can be associated withcellular band B30. The HB TX filter 353 a can be coupled to the phaseshifter 354 a. HB signals amplified by the HB PA 351 a that are within afrequency band associated with the HB TX filter 353 a can pass throughthe HB TX filter 353 a and can be routed through the phase shifter 354 aand the antenna switch 356 to either the node MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the nodeMHB_ANT_OUT2 through a corresponding signal path. HB signals routed tothe node MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 can pass throughcorresponding filters 357 a, 357 b. In some embodiments, the filters 357a, 375 b can be low-pass filters and allow signals with a frequencylower than a threshold frequency to pass through.

A second throw of the switch 352 c can be coupled to the HB TX/RX filter353 d. For example, the HB TX/RX filter 353 d can be associated withcellular band B41F. The HB TX/RX filter 353 d can be coupled to thephase shifter 354 b. HB signals amplified by the HB PA 351 a that arewithin a frequency band associated with the HB TX/RX filter 353 d canpass through the HB TX/RX filter 353 d and can be routed through thephase shifter 354 b and the antenna switch 356 to either the nodeMHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 through a corresponding signalpath.

A third throw of the switch 352 c can be coupled to the HB TX filter 353e. For example, the HB TX filter 353 e can be associated with cellularband B7. The HB TX filter 353 e can be coupled to the phase shifter 354c. HB signals amplified by the HB PA 351 a that are within a frequencyband associated with the HB TX filter 353 e can pass through the HB TXfilter 353 e and can be routed through the phase shifter 354 c and theantenna switch 356 to either the node MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the nodeMHB_ANT_OUT2 through a corresponding signal path.

A fourth throw of the switch 352 c can be coupled to the HB TX filter353 g. For example, the HB TX filter 353 g can be associated withcellular band B40F. The HB TX filter 353 g can be coupled to the phaseshifter 354 d. HB signals amplified by the HB PA 351 a that are within afrequency band associated with the HB TX filter 353 g can pass throughthe HB TX filter 353 g and can be routed through the phase shifter 354d, the switch 352 h, and the antenna switch 356 to either the nodeMHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 through a corresponding signalpath.

The MHB PAiD module 204 can also include the MB PA 351 b for amplifyingMB signals for transmission. In some embodiments, the MB PA 351 b can bean ET PA. The MB PA 351 b can be coupled to a node TX_MB_IN. Forexample, MB signals to be amplified can be input to the node TX_MB_IN.The MB PA 351 b can be coupled to the MB TX filter 353 j. For example,the HB TX filter 353 j can be associated with one or more of cellularbands B3 and B66. MB signals amplified by the MB PA 351 b that arewithin a frequency band associated with the HB TX filter 353 j can passthrough the HB TX filter 353 j and can be routed through the phaseshifter 354 g, the switch 352 i, and the antenna switch 356 to eitherthe node MHB_ANT_OUT1 or the node MHB_ANT_OUT2 through a correspondingsignal path.

The MHB PAiD module 204 can be controlled by a controller. For example,a MIPI based controller can be provided to control the switches 352 a-h,356, the PAs 351 a-b, and the LNAs 355 a-d. In the example of FIG. 3B,the MHB PAiD module 204 can include two controllers, for example, afirst controller 358 a to control the PAs 351 a-b and/or the switches352 a-h, 356, and a second controller 358 b to control the LNAs 355 a-d.The controllers 358 a and 358 b can provide control functionalitiesbased on, for example, respective I/O voltages (VIO1, VIO2), respectiveclock signals (CLK1, CLK 2), and respective control inputs (DATA1, DATA2).

The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 and the MHB PAiD module 204 can supportMIMO operations. For example, signals having the same frequency band maybe processed through more than one signal path simultaneously. A firstsignal path may be provided through the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202, and asecond signal path may be provided through the MHB PAiD module 204.

Each of the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 and the MHB PAiD module 204 cansupport CA operations. For example, a combined signal including signalsassociated with two or more frequency bands may be received andprocessed through respective signal paths associated with the two ormore frequency bands.

The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 and the MHB PAiD module 204 can alsosupport non-CA operations. For example, a signal associated with asingle frequency band can be received and processed through a respectivesignal path in either the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 or the MHB PAiDmodule 204.

Table 1 lists various TX bands that can be supported by the examplefront-end architecture 200 of FIG. 2 .

TABLE 1 (TX Band Support) MHB PAiD Module MIMO RX + MB TX Module  1 2/253/66  3 4/66 34 39 7 30 40 41

The MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 and the MHB PAiD module 204 can support TXoperations for one or more different bands from each other. For example,the MB PA 301 can support TX operations for a first set of mid bands,and the MB PA 302 can support TX operations for a second set of midbands, where the first of mid bands and the second set of mid bandsinclude at least one different mid band. As an example, the MB PA 301can support TX operations for cellular bands B1, B2/B25, B3, B4/B66,B34, and B39, and the MB PA 351 b can support TX operations for cellularbands B3 and B66. By including the MB PA 301 in the MIMO RX+MB TX module202 and the MB PA 351 b in the MHB PAiD module 204, the examplefront-end architecture 200 can support a wide range of MB TXfrequencies.

It will be understood that the example front-end architecture 200 ofFIG. 2 can be configured to provide support for other bands utilizingone or more features of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, various systems, devices and/or methods having oneor more features as described herein can be implemented in mannerssimilar to the various examples provided in the above-referenced U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/936,429 and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/936,430.

FIG. 4A is a schematic block diagram showing an example signal path 401configured to support MIMO operations, according to some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a schematic block diagram showing anexample signal path 402 configured to support MIMO operations, accordingto some embodiments of the present disclosure. The MIMO RX+MB TX module202 and the MHB PAiD module 204 can support MIMO operations, forexample, by receiving signals associated with the same frequency bandthrough two or more signal paths simultaneously. In the example of FIGS.4A and 4B, B25 RX signals are received and routed through a signal path401 in the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 and a signal path 402 in the MHBPAiD module 204.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing example signal paths 501 and502 configured to support CA operations, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure. For example, the MIMO RX+MB TX module 202 canreceive and process combined signals including signals associated withtwo or more frequency bands. In the example of FIG. 5 , the MIMO RX+MBTX module 202 can receive and process B7 signals and B3 signals throughcorresponding signal paths 501 and 502. Similarly, the MBH PAiD module204 can also receive and process signals associated with two or morefrequency bands (e.g., B7 and B3).

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an example signal path 601configured to support non-carrier aggregation operations, according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the MIMO RX+MBTX module 202 and the MHB PAiD module 204 can each receive and process asignal associated with a particular frequency band through acorresponding signal path. In the example of FIG. 6 , the MIMO RX+MB TXmodule 202 can receive and process B25 signals through a signal path601.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a packaged module800. FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the packagedmodule 800 of FIG. 7A taken along the lines 7B-7B.

The packaged module 800 includes a semiconductor die 801, surface mountcomponents 803, wirebonds 808, a package substrate 820, andencapsulation structure 840. The package substrate 820 includes pads 806formed from conductors disposed therein. Additionally, the semiconductordie 801 includes pins or pads 804, and the wirebonds 808 have been usedto connect the pads 804 of the die 801 to the pads 806 of the packagesubstrate 801.

The RFFE systems herein can include one or more packaged modules, suchas the packaged module 800. Although the packaged module 800 of FIGS.7A-7B illustrates one example implementation of a module suitable foruse in an RFFE system, the teachings herein are applicable to modulesimplemented in other ways.

The packaging substrate 820 can be configured to receive a plurality ofcomponents such as the semiconductor die 801 and the surface mountcomponents 803, which can include, for example, surface mount capacitorsand/or inductors.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the packaged module 800 is shown to include aplurality of contact pads 832 disposed on the side of the packagedmodule 800 opposite the side used to mount the semiconductor die 801.Configuring the packaged module 800 in this manner can aid in connectingthe packaged module 800 to a circuit board, such as a phone board of awireless device. The example contact pads 832 can be configured toprovide radio frequency signals, bias signals, and/or power (forexample, a power supply voltage and ground) to the semiconductor die 801and/or the surface mount components 803. As shown in FIG. 7B, theelectrical connections between the contact pads 832 and thesemiconductor die 801 can be facilitated by connections 833 through thepackage substrate 820. The connections 833 can represent electricalpaths formed through the package substrate 820, such as connectionsassociated with vias and conductors of a multilayer laminated packagesubstrate.

In some embodiments, the packaged module 800 can also include one ormore packaging structures to, for example, provide protection and/orfacilitate handling. Such a packaging structure can include overmold orencapsulation structure 840 formed over the packaging substrate 820 andthe components and die(s) disposed thereon.

It will be understood that although the packaged module 800 is describedin the context of electrical connections based on wirebonds, one or morefeatures of the present disclosure can also be implemented in otherpackaging configurations, including, for example, flip chipconfigurations.

For the purpose of description, it will be understood that low band(LB), mid band (MB), and high band (HB) can include frequency bandsassociated with such bands. Such frequency bands can include cellularfrequency bands such as the examples listed in Table 2. It will beunderstood that at least some of the bands can be divided intosub-bands. It will also be understood that one or more features of thepresent disclosure can be implemented with frequency ranges that do nothave designations such as the examples of Table 2.

TABLE 2 Tx Frequency Range Rx Frequency Range Band Mode (MHz) (MHz) B1FDD 1,920-1,980 2,110-2,170 B2 FDD 1,850-1,910 1,930-1,990 B3 FDD1,710-1,785 1,805-1,880 B4 FDD 1,710-1,755 2,110-2,155 B5 FDD 824-849869-894 B6 FDD 830-840 875-885 B7 FDD 2,500-2,570 2,620-2,690 B8 FDD880-915 925-960 B9 FDD 1,749.9-1,784.9 1,844.9-1,879.9 B10 FDD1,710-1,770 2,110-2,170 B11 FDD 1,427.9-1,447.9 1,475.9-1,495.9 B12 FDD699-716 729-746 B13 FDD 777-787 746-756 B14 FDD 788-798 758-768 B15 FDD1,900-1,920 2,600-2,620 B16 FDD 2,010-2,025 2,585-2,600 B17 FDD 704-716734-746 B18 FDD 815-830 860-875 B19 FDD 830-845 875-890 B20 FDD 832-862791-821 B21 FDD 1,447.9-1,462.9 1,495.9-1,510.9 B22 FDD 3,410-3,4903,510-3,590 B23 FDD 2,000-2,020 2,180-2,200 B24 FDD 1,626.5-1,660.51,525-1,559 B25 FDD 1,850-1,915 1,930-1,995 B26 FDD 814-849 859-894 B27FDD 807-824 852-869 B28 FDD 703-748 758-803 B29 FDD N/A 716-728 B30 FDD2,305-2,315 2,350-2,360 B31 FDD 452.5-457.5 462.5-467.5 B32 FDD N/A1,452-1,496 B33 TDD 1,900-1,920 1,900-1,920 B34 TDD 2,010-2,0252,010-2,025 B35 TDD 1,850-1,910 1,850-1,910 B36 TDD 1,930-1,9901,930-1,990 B37 TDD 1,910-1,930 1,910-1,930 B38 TDD 2,570-2,6202,570-2,620 B39 TDD 1,880-1,920 1,880-1,920 B40 TDD 2,300-2,4002,300-2,400 B41 TDD 2,496-2,690 2,496-2,690 B42 TDD 3,400-3,6003,400-3,600 B43 TDD 3,600-3,800 3,600-3,800 B44 TDD 703-803 703-803

Some of the embodiments described above have provided examples inconnection with mobile devices. However, the principles and advantagesof the embodiments can be used for any other systems or apparatus thathave needs for RFFE systems.

Such RFFE systems can be implemented in various electronic devices.Examples of the electronic devices can include, but are not limited to,consumer electronic products, parts of the consumer electronic products,electronic test equipment, etc. Examples of the electronic devices canalso include, but are not limited to, memory chips, memory modules,circuits of optical networks or other communication networks, and diskdriver circuits. The consumer electronic products can include, but arenot limited to, a mobile phone, a telephone, a television, a computermonitor, a computer, a hand-held computer, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a microwave, a refrigerator, an automobile, a stereo system, acassette recorder or player, a DVD player, a CD player, a VCR, an MP3player, a radio, a camcorder, a camera, a digital camera, a portablememory chip, a washer, a dryer, a washer/dryer, a copier, a facsimilemachine, a scanner, a multi-functional peripheral device, a wrist watch,a clock, etc. Further, the electronic devices can include unfinishedproducts.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally usedherein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directlyconnected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements.Likewise, the word “connected”, as generally used herein, refers to twoor more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected byway of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words“herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used inthis application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not toany particular portions of this application. Where the context permits,words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word coversall of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items inthe list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the itemsin the list.

Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among others,“can,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “e.g.,” “for example,” “such as” and thelike, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or withoutauthor input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/orstates are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems havingblocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each ofthese processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of differentways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as beingperformed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performedin parallel, or may be performed at different times.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in theform of the methods and systems described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

The present disclosure describes various features, no single one ofwhich is solely responsible for the benefits described herein. It willbe understood that various features described herein may be combined,modified, or omitted, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill.Other combinations and sub-combinations than those specificallydescribed herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill, and areintended to form a part of this disclosure. Various methods aredescribed herein in connection with various flowchart steps and/orphases. It will be understood that in many cases, certain steps and/orphases may be combined together such that multiple steps and/or phasesshown in the flowcharts may be performed as a single step and/or phase.Also, certain steps and/or phases may be broken into additionalsub-components to be performed separately. In some instances, the orderof the steps and/or phases may be rearranged and certain steps and/orphases may be omitted entirely. Also, the methods described herein areto be understood to be open-ended, such that additional steps and/orphases to those shown and described herein may also be performed.

Although various embodiments and examples are disclosed above, inventivesubject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments toother alternative embodiments and/or uses and to modifications andequivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims that may arise fromthis disclosure is not limited by any of the particular embodimentsdescribed above. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devicesdescribed herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separatecomponents. For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certainaspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Notnecessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by anyparticular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may becarried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheraspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

Some aspects of the systems and methods described herein mayadvantageously be implemented using, for example, computer software,hardware, firmware, or any combination of computer software, hardware,and firmware. Computer software may comprise computer executable codestored in a computer readable medium (e.g., non-transitory computerreadable medium) that, when executed, performs the functions describedherein. In some embodiments, computer-executable code is executed by oneor more general purpose computer processors. A skilled artisan willappreciate, in light of this disclosure, that any feature or functionthat may be implemented using software to be executed on a generalpurpose computer may also be implemented using a different combinationof hardware, software, or firmware. For example, such a module may beimplemented completely in hardware using a combination of integratedcircuits. Alternatively or additionally, such a feature or function maybe implemented completely or partially using specialized computersdesigned to perform the particular functions described herein ratherthan by general purpose computers.

Multiple distributed computing devices may be substituted for any onecomputing device described herein. In such distributed embodiments, thefunctions of the one computing device are distributed (e.g., over anetwork) such that some functions are performed on each of thedistributed computing devices.

Some embodiments may be described with reference to equations,algorithms, and/or flowchart illustrations. These methods may beimplemented using computer program instructions executable on one ormore computers. These methods may also be implemented as computerprogram products either separately, or as a component of an apparatus orsystem. In this regard, each equation, algorithm, block, or step of aflowchart, and combinations thereof, may be implemented by hardware,firmware, and/or software including one or more computer programinstructions embodied in computer-readable program code logic. As willbe appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loadedonto one or more computers, including without limitation a generalpurpose computer or special purpose computer, or other programmableprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the computerprogram instructions which execute on the computer(s) or otherprogrammable processing device(s) implement the functions specified inthe equations, algorithms, and/or flowcharts. It will also be understoodthat each equation, algorithm, and/or block in flowchart illustrations,and combinations thereof, may be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer-readableprogram code logic means.

Furthermore, computer program instructions, such as embodied incomputer-readable program code logic, may also be stored in a computerreadable memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium) thatmay direct one or more computers or other programmable processingdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructionsstored in the computer-readable memory implement the function(s)specified in the block(s) of the flowchart(s). The computer programinstructions may also be loaded onto one or more computers or otherprogrammable computing devices to cause a series of operational steps tobe performed on the one or more computers or other programmablecomputing devices to produce a computer-implemented process such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmableprocessing apparatus provide steps for implementing the functionsspecified in the equation(s), algorithm(s), and/or block(s) of theflowchart(s).

Some or all of the methods and tasks described herein may be performedand fully automated by a computer system. The computer system may, insome cases, include multiple distinct computers or computing devices(e.g., physical servers, workstations, storage arrays, etc.) thatcommunicate and interoperate over a network to perform the describedfunctions. Each such computing device typically includes a processor (ormultiple processors) that executes program instructions or modulesstored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium or device. The various functions disclosed herein may be embodiedin such program instructions, although some or all of the disclosedfunctions may alternatively be implemented in application-specificcircuitry (e.g., ASICs or FPGAs) of the computer system. Where thecomputer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices may,but need not, be co-located. The results of the disclosed methods andtasks may be persistently stored by transforming physical storagedevices, such as solid state memory chips and/or magnetic disks, into adifferent state.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally usedherein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directlyconnected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Wherethe context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using thesingular or plural number may also include the plural or singular numberrespectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items,that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: anyof the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and anycombination of the items in the list. The word “exemplary” is usedexclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,”“fourth,” etc., as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish amongdifferent elements and may not necessarily have an ordinal meaningaccording to their numerical designation.

The disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementationsshown herein. Various modifications to the implementations described inthis disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, andthe generic principles defined herein may be applied to otherimplementations without departing from the spirit or scope of thisdisclosure. The teachings of the invention provided herein may beapplied to other methods and systems, and are not limited to the methodsand systems described above, and elements and acts of the variousembodiments described above may be combined to provide furtherembodiments. Accordingly, the novel methods and systems described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods andsystems described herein may be made without departing from the spiritof the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents areintended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within thescope and spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radio frequency front end system comprising: afirst module including at least one power amplifier and at least onelow-noise amplifier, the first module configured to provide multi-inputmulti-output (MIMO) receive operations for a first plurality of midbands and a first plurality of high bands, the first module furtherconfigured to provide transmit operations for the first plurality of midbands, the first module including a first node; and a second moduleincluding at least one power amplifier and at least one low-noiseamplifier, the second module configured to provide transmit and receiveoperations for a second plurality of mid bands and a second plurality ofhigh bands, the second module being a power amplifier integratedduplexer (PAiD) module, the second module including a second node, thefirst module and the second module coupled by a signal path at the firstnode and the second node, respectively, the second module coupled to atleast one antenna, the second module configured to provide receivesignals from the at least one antenna to the first module through thesecond node, the signal path, and the first node.
 2. The radio frequencyfront end system of claim 1 wherein the second module is coupled to aplurality of antennas.
 3. The radio frequency front end system of claim2 wherein the second module includes an antenna switch coupled to theplurality of antennas, the antenna switch configured to route signalsbetween the plurality of antennas and the first module through the firstnode, the signal path, and the second node.
 4. The radio frequency frontend system of claim 1 wherein the first module includes a mid-band poweramplifier configured to amplify signals associated with the firstplurality of mid bands.
 5. The radio frequency front end system of claim1 wherein the second module includes a high-band power amplifierconfigured to amplify signals associated with the second plurality ofhigh bands and a mid-band power amplifier configured to amplify signalsassociated with the second plurality of mid bands.
 6. The radiofrequency front end system of claim 1 wherein the first module includesa plurality of transmit filters, a plurality of receive filters, and aplurality of phase shifters.
 7. The radio frequency front end system ofclaim 1 wherein the second module includes a plurality of transmitfilters, a plurality of receive filters, and a plurality of phaseshifters.
 8. The radio frequency front end system of claim 1 wherein thefirst module and the second module are configured to provide MIMOreceive operations for at least some of the first plurality of mid bandsand the second plurality of mid bands, and at least some of the firstplurality of high bands and the second plurality of high bands.
 9. Theradio frequency front end system of claim 1 wherein the first module isconfigured to provide carrier aggregation operations for two or more ofthe first plurality of mid bands and the first plurality of high bands,and the second module is configured to provide carrier aggregationoperations for two or more of the second plurality of mid bands and thesecond plurality of high bands.
 10. The radio frequency front end systemof claim 1 wherein the first module and the second module providetransmit operations for one or more different bands from each other. 11.The radio frequency front end system of claim 1 wherein the firstplurality of mid bands and the second plurality of mid bands have afrequency between 1 GHz and 2.3 GHz, and the first plurality of highbands and the second plurality of high bands have a frequency greaterthan 2.3 GHz.
 12. A wireless device comprising: a plurality of antennas;a transceiver; and a radio frequency front end system coupled betweenthe transceiver and the plurality of primary antennas, the radiofrequency front end system including a first module including at leastone power amplifier and at least one low-noise amplifier, the firstmodule configured to provide multi-input multi-output (MIMO) receiveoperations for a first plurality of mid bands and a first plurality ofhigh bands, the first module further configured to provide transmitoperations for the first plurality of mid bands, the first moduleincluding a first node, and a second module including at least one poweramplifier and at least one low-noise amplifier, the second moduleconfigured to provide transmit and receive operations for a secondplurality of mid bands and a second plurality of high bands, the secondmodule being a power amplifier integrated duplexer (PAiD) module, thesecond module including a second node, the first module and the secondmodule coupled by a signal path at the first node and the second node,respectively, the second module coupled to at least one antenna, thesecond module configured to provide receive signals from the at leastone antenna to the first module through the second node, the signalpath, and the first node.
 13. The wireless device of claim 12 whereinthe second module is coupled to the plurality of antennas.
 14. Thewireless device of claim 13 wherein the second module includes anantenna switch coupled to the plurality of antennas, the antenna switchconfigured to route signals between the plurality of antennas and thefirst module through the first node, the signal path, and the secondnode.
 15. The wireless device of claim 12 wherein the first moduleincludes a mid-band power amplifier configured to amplify signalsassociated with the first plurality of mid bands.
 16. The wirelessdevice of claim 12 wherein the second module includes a high-band poweramplifier configured to amplify signals associated with the secondplurality of high bands and a mid-band power amplifier configured toamplify signals associated with the second plurality of mid bands. 17.The wireless device of claim 12 wherein the first module and the secondmodule are configured to provide MIMO receive operations for at leastsome of the first plurality of mid bands and the second plurality of midbands, and at least some of the first plurality of high bands and thesecond plurality of high bands.
 18. The wireless device of claim 12wherein the first module is configured to provide carrier aggregationoperations for two or more of the first plurality of mid bands and thefirst plurality of high bands, and the second module is configured toprovide carrier aggregation operations for two or more of the secondplurality of mid bands and the second plurality of high bands.
 19. Thewireless device of claim 12 wherein the first module and the secondmodule provide transmit operations for one or more different bands fromeach other.
 20. The wireless device of claim 12 wherein the firstplurality of mid bands and the second plurality of mid bands have afrequency between 1 GHz and 2.3 GHz, and the first plurality of highbands and the second plurality of high bands have a frequency greaterthan 2.3 GHz.